Goa Job Scam Mastermind Evades Arrest, Lookout Notice Issued
Goa police have issued a lookout notice for Ajit Shankhwalkar, the main accused in a major job scam involving fake appointment letters.
Panaji, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : The Panaji police have issued a lookout notice for Ajit Trivikram Kamat Shankhwalkar, the primary suspect in a high-profile job scam in Goa. Authorities allege that Shankhwalkar created fraudulent appointment letters bearing the forged signature of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, deceiving victims out of millions of rupees.
Shankhwalkar, a 46-year-old resident of Taleigao, is facing charges of fraud and forgery under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. A case was registered against him at the Panaji police station.
The scam came to light on October 9, when a man named Manoj Talekar arrived at the Excise Commissioner’s office in Panaji, claiming to be the additional excise commissioner. He presented a fake appointment letter purportedly signed by Chief Minister Sawant. Investigations revealed that this letter was obtained through Shankhwalkar.
Further inquiries indicated that Shankhwalkar defrauded the Talekar family of approximately 1.32 crore rupees under the pretense of securing jobs. He allegedly collected large sums from Manoj Talekar for a government position and also extorted money by promising a high-ranking job for his sister.
According to investigators, Shankhwalkar posed as a police sub-inspector to gain the trust of job seekers, taking them to influential politicians and government offices. However, it was uncovered that he actually runs a wine shop.
Two separate FIRs have been filed in this case. The first complaint was lodged by Assistant Excise Commissioner Sakhardande, while the second was filed by Manoj Talekar’s father, Govind Talekar.
Police believe Shankhwalkar has been on the run since October 8 and may be hiding in the Sindhudurg region of Maharashtra. Authorities are conducting raids in multiple locations in search of him, and his bank account has been frozen.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party has sought information under the Right to Information Act regarding the alleged delay in police action. The Panaji police have urged citizens to report any information related to the accused immediately. The investigation is ongoing.
